ES2834924T3 - Smart absorbent article and components - Google Patents

Abstract

A substrate (1) suitable to be incorporated into an absorbent article (100) to automatically detect inside it cases of humidity and / or the risk of leakage of exudates thereof, the substrate comprising a first surface (2) that can be arranged proximally to a body-facing side of the absorbent article (100) and a second surface (3) opposite said first surface (2) and disposed proximal to a garment-facing side of said absorbent article (100), said substrate (1) a plurality of sensor tracks (101) arranged on said first surface (2), wherein said sensor tracks (101) are in electrical communication with a pluggable data processing module (103) when connected, in a proximal position, to a first end (5) of the substrate (1), in order to form a closed electrical circuit, normally to measure the resistance, impedance and / or capacitance through it, said substrate (1) com engages one or more slits (15) and an insulating layer (200) placed on said first surface (2) to sandwich at least a portion of said sensor tracks (101) in between, and there is a pocket (16) formed between said first surface (2) and said insulating layer (200) at least proximal to said first end (5), said pocket (16) being in fluid communication with said slit (s) (15) and arranged to retain at least a portion of said clip-on data processing module (103) inside, and characterized in that said substrate (1) consists of a liquid-impermeable back sheet and said insulating layer (200) is a non-conductive film, and in where the pocket (16) has the shape of a channel that extends from the first end (5) to a second end (6) of the substrate (1), said channel being bordered by joint seals (22) arranged in an opposite way, in so that the canal remains impermeable to exudates.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Smart absorbent article and components

Technical field

The invention relates to the technical field of absorbent sanitary products. In particular, the present invention relates to an absorbent article for absorbing body fluids and exudates, such as urine or fecal matter. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent garments, such as disposable diapers or briefs, for example, for babies or adults, which are configured to accumulate and contain fecal matter and prevent it from leaking.

More particularly, the invention relates to diapers or pantyhose, their components and manufacturing processes, which comprise an exudate detection system, capable of automatically providing a warning to the caregiver when the risk of leakage is high and the diaper or briefs worn by a subject must be changed.

Background

Disposable diapers traditionally include a frame having a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent structure sandwiched between the topsheet and the backsheet. The frame has a front body panel that, in use, extends across the user's stomach and front hip area, and a rear body panel that, in use, extends across the back and rear area of the wearer. wearer's hip. Each of the body panels has a waist portion so that, when the diaper is fastened around the wearer's waist, the waist portions continuously surround the wearer. To fasten the diaper around the wearer's waist, a fastening system comprising fastening tabs is typically employed. Fastening tabs can be provided on the side panels that extend from the side edges of the diaper frame.

Disposable briefs have a similar construction, but generally comprise front and rear elastic at each end of the absorbent structure, which are sealed together at the side seams to form a brief or panty-like product, which A subject can be put on by inserting it through the legs and it can be removed by lowering it in the opposite direction or by breaking the side seams.

Inherent in the use of these absorbent articles is that, in the end, one or more instances of moisture and / or exudate will occur and, therefore, the need to change the absorbent article will arise. In particular, in home care and / or other institutions, when caring for the elderly with incontinence problems, it is important to know when to change a patient's diaper / panty. In fact, changing diapers too early results in unnecessary cost and expense, and changing them too late results in the change being costly and time-consuming and the patient feeling uncomfortable or uncomfortable. This problem is made worse by movement; in fact, it is taken into account that a subject wearing the article can move and adopt different positions and / or that the risk of escape can vary considerably depending on the position and the time the subject remains in said position during and / or after one or more cases of moisture / exudate.

Absorbent articles are known which have different types of detection means and which help to alert a user or caregiver of a change within the article (eg that defecation has occurred). These sensing means allow the user or caregiver to easily determine whether or not the absorbent article should be changed without the need to closely examine it or remove the article.

Commonly used detection means that can be incorporated into absorbent articles are chemicals that alter their shape or nature upon contact with liquid. For example, the indication that an absorbent article is dirty can be caused by changes in color or by the appearance or disappearance of an element in the absorbent article. This type of technology is known, for example, from documents US 5389093, WO 04/028403 and WO 05/030084. These means of detection are useful in certain situations, but less so in institutions such as childcare centers, senior centers or hospitals where, often, a limited staff must monitor the condition of a large number of users. To determine if the absorbent article is dirty or not, it is still necessary to disturb the user, since the caregiver has to be able to see the colored element. Normally, this requires the user to move and remove or adjust their clothing. Document WO02 / 47592 describes an article having a status indicating device for communicating a change in the status of a monitored portion. The indicating device may comprise a sensor located within the article, the sensor being connected to an external portion of the external part of the article. Changes in the condition of the article (eg that it is dirty) can be transmitted from the indicating device to a receiver via an RF link produced by the external portion. The outer portion is included in the outer part of the article and is secured in place, for example, by velcro fasteners. In this sense, it can be removed or displaced and is subject to external influences (e.g. abrasion, moisture, interference from user part). Also, the traditional components of the outer portion described in WO02 / 47592 make it too expensive to produce, which, in turn, makes it more likely to be reused than to dispose of, which is more expensive.

US 2005/0156744 describes a diaper similar to WO02 / 47592, in which a removable transmitter is installed on the outside of the diaper.

WO02 / 78513 describes a fluid discharge monitoring apparatus for a diaper. The apparatus comprises an RF tag that is sensitive to fluid discharge on the diaper. The nature of the components used in the manufacture of the monitoring apparatus is not described in WO02 / 78513.

Document JP 2005000602 describes a device for detecting moisture in a diaper, comprising an RFID tag. The tag comprises a chip (integrated circuit), a communication control section, a data storage medium, and an antenna.

Document WO 99/33037 discloses a method and apparatus for detecting a fluid, said method comprising providing one or more oscillators that transmit electromagnetic energy, providing one or more resonant circuits that receive electromagnetic energy from the oscillators, causing the fluid and said one or more resonant circuits come into contact with each other, so that the electromagnetic energy receptions of the resonant circuits change, and detect the changes in the electromagnetic energy transmissions of the oscillators thanks to the changes in one or more characteristics of these after changes in electromagnetic energy receptions of resonant circuits. The resonant circuits can comprise coils with separate windings made from an electrically conductive material, which can be provided by substrate printing. The resonant circuit (s) can be integrated into a diaper. Thus, WO 99/33037 discloses an absorbent article comprising at least one moisture sensing means.

Although electrical sensing means for indicating the status of an absorbent article have obvious advantages over visual sensing means, they still have the drawbacks of being expensive, rigid, bulky, and difficult to incorporate into the article during manufacture. Also, many traditional electrical components cannot be disposed of or degraded so easily. Traditional components of electrical circuits, such as welded metal, are not compatible with materials such as paper, plastics, and fibrous materials used in modern absorbent articles. They are also not compatible with the assembly line manufacturing methods used in the production of absorbent articles. Since absorbent articles are primarily intended for single use (ie, they are disposable), it would be a great advantage if electrical sensing means were inexpensive and easily disposed of. Thus, there is a desire for a sensing means that can be easily incorporated into an absorbent article that provides the benefits of electrical sensing, and that remains inexpensive, simple to manufacture, and readily disposable.

There is also a desire to have absorbent articles that comprise detection means that detect accurately and reliably and that the range of products and sizes can be standardized to limit production costs and, therefore, the final cost that will be incurred by users and institutions.

Additionally, there is a desire to have detection means that not only warn when exudate occurs, but alternatively or in combination provide timely alerts based on the risk of exudate leaking from the absorbent article, for example, taking into account the position the subject is in during and / or after one or more repeated instances of wetness / exudate.

Summary of the invention

The disclosure refers to a substrate as defined in claim 1.

In a further aspect, the disclosure refers to an absorbent article as defined in claim 13. Description of the figures

según una realización de la divulgación. La figura 1B ilustra una vista superior esquemática del sustrato según una realización de la divulgación. La figura 2A ilustra una vista superior esquemática del sustrato según una realización de la divulgación. La figura 2B ilustra una vista esquemática en sección transversal del sustrato de la figura 2A alrededor del eje A-A.Figure 1A illustrates a schematic top view of the substrate

according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 1B illustrates a schematic top view of the substrate according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 2A illustrates a schematic top view of the substrate according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 2B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the substrate of Figure 2A about the axis AA.

Figure 3 illustrates a schematic top view of the substrate according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 4A-B illustrates embodiments of sensor track portions according to the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of an absorbent article according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

Figure 6A-C illustrates an example embodiment of a clip-on module in accordance with the present disclosure.

Figure 7 is a schematic top view of a substrate according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 8 illustrates an example embodiment of a printed pattern suitable for one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 9 is a schematic top view of a pocket and an adhesion arrangement according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 10 is a schematic top view of alternative example embodiments of the guide means for gluing the module in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 11 is a schematic top view of alternative example embodiments of the reinforcing means according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 12 illustrates schematic representations of slit geometries according to embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 13 illustrates a schematic top view of the substrate according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 14 is a partial schematic top view illustrating the placement of the pocket relative to the core, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating a pocket and a module according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a module being inserted into the pocket according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 17 is a schematic side view of a male and female subject wearing an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 18 illustrates a schematic top view of the substrate according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 19 is a schematic top view of a pocket and an adhesion arrangement according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed description of the invention

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the disclosure of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meanings normally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. For more information, definitions of terms are included to understand the teachings of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

The articles "a", "an", "the", "the", "the", "the", as used in this document, have singular and plural references unless the context clearly indicates so. contrary. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"Approximately", as used herein and referring to a quantifiable value, such as a parameter, an amount, a length of time or other, is intended to encompass variants of / -20% or less, preferably of / -10% or less, more preferably of / -5% or less, still more preferably of / -1% or less, and still more preferably of / -0.1% or less of the specified value, heretofore these being suitable variants to carry out in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is also specifically disclosed. The verb "comprise", "comprising", "comprises" and "comprise", as used herein, is synonymous with "include", "which includes", "includes" or "contain", "which contains "," contains "and are inclusive or open terms that specify the presence of what follows, for example, of a component, but the presence of additional components, characteristics, elements, stages, and members is not excluded or precluded. not mentioned, known in the art or disclosed in the document.

The term "% by weight" (weight percent), here and throughout the description, unless otherwise defined, refers to the relative weight of the respective component as a function of the total weight of the formulation or element. referenced.

The indication of numerical ranges with end points includes all numbers and fractions within that range, as well as the indicated end points, except where explicitly stated otherwise in the disclaimer or other similar section.

"Absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain liquid and, more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates exiting the body. Absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training diapers, diaper covers or liners, sanitary napkins, and the like, as well as surgical bandages and sponges. The absorbent articles preferably comprise a longitudinal imaginary axis and a transverse imaginary axis, perpendicular to said longitudinal imaginary axis. The longitudinal imaginary axis is conventionally chosen in the front-to-back direction of the article when referring to the put article, and the transverse imaginary axis is conventionally chosen in the left-to-right direction of the article when referring to the put article. . Disposable absorbent articles may include a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet attached to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned and secured between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is operationally permeable to liquids that are expected to be contained in the absorbent article, and the backsheet may or may not be substantially impenetrable or otherwise operably impervious to intended liquids. The absorbent article may also include other components, such as liquid soak layers, liquid absorption layers, liquid distribution layers, transfer layers, barrier layers, wrap layers, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Disposable absorbent articles and their components can function as a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface. Preferably, a diaper comprises a liquid-permeable "topsheet", a liquid-impermeable "backsheet", and an "absorbent medium or core" disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet, the backsheet, and the backsheet. Absorbent medium could be made from any suitable material known to the person skilled in the art. The topsheet is typically located on or near the body side surface of the article, while the backsheet is typically located on or near the garment-side surface of the article. Optionally, the article may comprise one or more separate layers, in addition to the backsheet, interposed between the backsheet and the absorbent medium. The topsheet and backsheet are connected or associated with one another. way to each other operationally.

The "absorbent medium" or "absorbent core" or "absorbent body" is the absorbent structure disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet of the absorbent article in at least the crotch region of the absorbent article, and can absorb and retain liquid exudates from the body. The size and absorbency of the absorbent medium should be compatible with the size of the intended user and with the liquid load conferred by the intended use of the absorbent article. Also, the size and absorbency of the absorbent medium may vary for users ranging from infants to adults. It can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes (eg, rectangular, trapezoidal, T-shaped, I-shaped, hourglass, etc.) and from a wide variety of materials. Examples of commonly available absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, layers of fabric, highly absorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwovens, or others. It is common to combine cellulose fluff pulp with superabsorbent polymers in an absorbent material.

"Registered" (eg, registered design) refers, for example, to a printed design that varies along the length of a continuous web / film (and is repeated at intervals) and therefore it requires some recognition of where a processing action should occur, for example a cut, to ensure that consecutive individual products formed from the web / continuous film have the same print pattern.

"Acquisition and distribution layer", "ADL" or "overload management portion" refers to a sublayer, which is preferably a non-woven soak layer under the topsheet of an absorbent product, which accelerates transport and improves the distribution of fluids through the absorbent core. The surge management portion is typically less hydrophobic than the retention portion and has the ability to rapidly accumulate and temporarily contain fluid surge and to transport the fluid from its initial point of entry to other parts of the absorbent structure, in particular , the retention portion. This configuration can help prevent liquid from collecting and accumulating on the portion of the absorbent garment against the wearer's skin, thus reducing the sensation of moisture for the wearer. Preferably, the overload management portion is located between the topsheet and the retaining portion.

The term "adhesive" as used herein is intended to refer to any hot melt, water-based or solvent-based adhesive that can be applied to a surface of a film layer, with the required pattern or network of adhesive zones, to form the nonwoven film laminate of the present invention. Accordingly, suitable adhesives include conventional hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, and reactive (ie, polyurethane) adhesives. As used herein, the term "adhesive bond" means a bonding process that forms a bond by applying an adhesive. This adhesive application can be done by various processes, such as slot coating, spray coating, and other topical applications. Likewise, this adhesive can be applied inside a component of the product and, later, exposed to a pressure so that the contact of a second component of the product with the component of the product that contains the adhesive forms an adhesive bond between the two components.

As used herein, the term "associated or attached or adhered" encompasses, unless expressly stated otherwise, configurations in which, for example, a topsheet is attached directly to a backsheet by means of fixing the top sheet directly on the back sheet, and also configurations where the top sheet is fixed to the back sheet by fixing the top sheet on the intermediate elements which, in turn, are fixed to the back sheet (i.e. indirect fixation). The topsheet and backsheet can be attached directly to each other by gluing means, such as an adhesive, sonic bonding, thermal bonding, or any other bonding means known in the art. For example, a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, a spray pattern of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or dots of construction adhesive can be used to secure the topsheet to the backsheet. It should be appreciated that the above-described bonding means can also be used to interconnect and assemble the other component parts of the article described herein together.

The terms "back section" and "rear back section" are used herein synonymously and refer to the area of the absorbent article that is in contact with the wearer's back when wearing the absorbent article.

The term "backsheet" refers to a material that forms a liquid impervious cover of the absorbent article. The backsheet prevents exudates contained in the absorbent structure from wetting articles, such as sheets and clothing, that come into contact with the disposable absorbent article. The backsheet can be a unitary layer of material or it can be a composite layer, composed of several components assembled together or laminated. The backsheet may be the same or different in different parts of the absorbent article. At least in the area of the absorbent medium, the backsheet comprises a non-liquid penetrable material in the form of a thin plastic film, for example a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a non-woven material coated with a non-liquid penetrable material, a hydrophobic nonwoven material, which resists the penetration of liquids, or a laminate of plastic film and nonwoven material. The backsheet material can be breathable, allowing vapor to escape from the absorbent material, while still preventing liquids from passing through. Examples of breathable backsheet materials are polymeric porous films, melt blown spunbonded layer nonwoven laminates, and polymeric porous film laminates and nonwovens.

The terms "belly section" and "front belly section" are used herein synonymously and refer to the area of the absorbent article that is in contact with the wearer's belly when wearing the absorbent article.

As used herein, the "body-facing" or "body-side" surface means that surface of the article or component that is intended to face or be positioned adjacent to the wearer's body during normal use, while that the "outer", "outward facing" or "garment side" surface is on the opposite side and is intended to face away from the patient's body during normal use. This outer surface can be arranged to face or be positioned adjacent to the undergarment when the absorbent article is worn.

"Joined" refers to the attachment, adhesion, bonding, gluing, or other similar action, of at least two elements. Two elements are considered to be linked together when they are linked directly to each other or indirectly to each other, such as when each is directly linked to intermediate elements.

The term "breathable" refers to layers, preferably elastic films or laminates, that have a water vapor transmission index (WVTR) of at least 300 grams / m2 -24 hours.

The expression "consisting essentially of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials that do not significantly affect the desired characteristics of a given composition or product. Exemplary materials of this type could include, without limitation, pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow activators, solvents, particles, and materials added to improve the processability of the composition.

Also, an absorbent article may comprise "containment flaps" or "barrier sleeves". In general, containment flaps are believed to be particularly suitable for the containment of fecal matter and for preventing the lateral flow of liquid waste until such time as the liquid waste can be absorbed by the absorbent article. Many constructions of containment flaps are known. These containment flaps generally comprise a proximal edge, intended to adhere to the absorbent article, and an opposite distal edge that generally does not adhere to the absorbent article along at least a portion of its length. An elastic member is generally positioned adjacent the distal edge to help maintain the containment flap in a vertical state and to maintain a sealing relationship between the distal edge of the containment flap and a user's body during use. . The elastic element is generally located between two layers of material, so that the elastic does not come into contact with the wearer's body. Containment flaps can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials, including polypropylene, polyester, rayon, nylon, foams, plastic films, shaped films, and elastic foams. Various fabrication techniques can be used to fabricate the containment flaps. For example, the containment flaps can be woven, non-woven, spunformed, carded, cast, blown, or otherwise shaped.

An absorbent article may comprise containment gaskets for the legs. "Leg Containment Gaskets" help prevent body exudates from seeping out when the user exerts compressive forces on the absorbent article. In particular, the rigidity of the leg restraint joints prevents the leg openings of the absorbent article from twisting and bunching, which can lead to leakage. In addition, the elasticity and adaptability of the leg restraint seals ensure that the body-facing surface of the leg restraint seals provides the proper seal against the wearer's body. The physical properties of leg restraint gaskets, such as their thickness and stiffness, also function to separate the body-side liner, outer shell, and absorbent core from the wearer's body during use. In this regard, a void volume is created between the wearer's body and the body side liner and the absorbent core of the absorbent article to help contain body exudates.

A "mechanical bond" is the bond between two or more elements, components, regions or bands and may comprise thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding or any other appropriate non-adhesive bonding means or combinations of these means. gluing.

By "hot melt adhesive" is meant a formulation generally comprising several components. These components typically include one or more polymers to provide cohesive strength (eg, aliphatic polyolefins, such as poly (ethylene-co-propylene) copolymers; ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers; styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprene block copolymers; etc.); a resin or analogous material (sometimes referred to as a tackifier) to provide cohesive strength (for example, hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum distillation; rosins and / or rosin esters; terpenes obtained, for example, from wood or citrus fruits , etc.); Waxes, plasticizers, or other materials that modify viscosity (i.e., flowability) may be possible (examples of these materials include, but are not limited to, mineral oil, polybutylene, paraffin oils, ester oil, and the like and / or other additives including, but not limited to, antioxidants or other stabilizers For example, a typical hot melt adhesive formulation might contain from about 15 to about 35 percent by weight of cohesive strength polymer (s); from about 50 to about 65 weight percent resin or other tackifier (s); from more than zero to about 30 weight percent plasticizer or other viscosity modifier; and, optionally, less than about 1 weight percent stabilizer or other additive It should be understood that other adhesive formulations comprising different percentages by weight of these components are possible.

"Discontinuous bonding pattern", as used herein, refers to the pattern of bonding areas, in particular of bonding areas between layers, whereby the layers are not bonded in at least one region. A discontinuous bonding pattern may comprise a connected bonding zone or several disconnected bonding zones. A discontinuous bonding pattern may further comprise a connected bonding zone comprising several holes, where the layers are not bonded, preferably in a regular pattern, or it may comprise disconnected individual bonding zones, for example a connection pattern by points comprising a plurality of different attachment points surrounded by unjoined areas or a pattern of attachment per line comprising a plurality of different attachment lines alternated by unbonded areas, preferably in a regular pattern. The adjective "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles that are not generally intended to be washed or restored or otherwise reused as an absorbent article (that is, they are intended to be thrown away after a single use and preferably to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally friendly way).

As used herein, the terms "elastic", "elastomeric", "elasticity" or their derivatives are used to describe the ability of various materials and objects comprised by them to undergo reversible deformation under stress, for example, from to stretch or extend, in at least one direction, when a force is applied to the material, and to return substantially to its original dimensions after relaxing, that is, when the force is released, without breaking or cracking. Preferably, these refer to a material or composite that can be elongated in at least one direction by at least 50% of its relaxed length, that is, which is elongated to at least 150% of its relaxed length, and which, after releasing the applied tension, they will recover at least 40% of their elongation. Accordingly, upon release of applied stress at 50% elongation, the material or composite contracts to a relaxed length of no more than 130% of its original length. Examples of suitable elastomeric materials include polyether-polyamide block copolymers, polyurethanes, linear synthetic ABA and AB block copolymers, chlorinated EVA / rubber blends (ethylene vinyl acetate), EPDM rubbers (ethylene propylene diene monomer), EPM rubbers (ethylene propylene monomer), EPDM / EPM / EVA blends, and others.

The term "elasticized" or "elasticized" refers to a material, layer or substrate that is non-elastic in its natural state, but has become elastic, for example, by properly affixing an elastic material, layer or substrate thereto.

By "elongation" is the ratio of the extension of a material and the length of the material before the extension (expressed as a percentage). The word "extension" means the change in length of a material due to its stretching (expressed in units of length).

As used herein, the adjective "extensible" means expandable in at least one direction, but without necessarily being retrieved.

The adjective "finished" or "final", when used in reference to a product, means that the product has been properly manufactured for its intended purpose.

As used herein, the term "garment" means any type of clothing that can be worn. This includes diapers, training diapers, incontinence products, surgical gowns, industrial clothing and overalls, underwear, diaper briefs, shirts, jackets, and others.

The term "graphic" includes, but is not limited to, any type of design, image, brand, figure, code, word, pattern or the like. For a product such as a training diaper, the graphics generally include objects associated with boys and girls, such as multi-colored trucks, airplanes, balls, dolls, ribbons or the like.

As used herein, the adjective "impermeable" generally refers to articles and / or items whose thickness cannot penetrate aqueous fluid at a pressure of 1.0 kPa or less. Preferably, the impermeable article or element is not penetrated by aqueous fluid at pressures of 3.4 kPa or less. More preferably, the impermeable article or element is not fluid penetrated at pressures of 6.8 kPa or less. An article or item that is not waterproof is permeable.

"Integral" is used to refer to multiple portions of a single unit element rather than separate structures attached to or placed with or placed close to each other.

The verb "fix", "that fixes", "fixed" or their variants, when used in the description of the relationship between two or more elements, means that the elements can be connected to each other in any appropriate way, by For example, by heat sealing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, with adhesives, stitching or others. Also, the elements can be fixed directly to each other or they can have one or more elements arranged in between, all of which are connected to each other.

The term "flat state" or "fully stretched state" or "extended state" refers to the article when it is flattened in one plane or when it is substantially flattened in one plane and is used in contrast to when the article is positioned otherwise, for example, when the article is folded or turned upside down or for use by a user.

The use of the term "layer" can refer to, but is not limited to, any type of substrate, such as a woven web, a non-woven web, films, laminates, composites, elastomeric or other materials, or even formulations, such as adhesives. , which form a substrate after a change of state (for example, the solidification of a hot melt adhesive when the temperature drops below a predetermined amount). A layer may be air and liquid permeable, air permeable, but liquid impermeable, air and liquid impermeable, or otherwise similar. When used in the singular, it can have a double meaning: a single element or a plurality of elements.

The term "non-woven fabric or web" means a sheet material that has a structure of individual fibers or yarns that are interwoven, but not in the usual way, as is the case with knitting or loom weaving processes. Nonwoven fabrics or webs are formed by many processes such as melt blown processes, spunbond processes and bonded carded web processes.

By the term "particle", "particles", "particulate", "particulates" and the like, it is meant that the material is generally in the form of individual units. The units can comprise granules, powders, spheres, powdered materials or the like, as well as combinations thereof. The particles can have any desired shape such as, for example, cubic, rod-like, polyhedral, spherical or hemispherical, rounded or semi-rounded, angular, irregular, etc. Also contemplated herein is the inclusion herein of shapes that have a large largest dimension / smallest dimension ratio, such as needles, flakes, and fibers. The terms "particle" or "particulate" can also include an agglomeration comprising more than one individual particle, particulate or the like. Additionally, a particle, particulate or any desired agglomeration of these can be composed of more than one type of material.

The use of the term "substrate" includes, but is not limited to, woven or non-woven webs, porous films, ink permeable films, paper, composite structures, or the like.

Superabsorbent materials (eg, superabsorbent polymers), suitable for use in the present disclosure, are known to those of skill in the art and can occur in any operative form, such as particulate, fiber, and mixtures thereof. As generally expressed, the "superabsorbent material" may be a hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material which swells with water and is generally insoluble in water, which can absorb at least about 15, appropriate and about 30, and possibly and about 60 times or more its weight in physiological saline (eg saline with 0.9% by weight NaCl). The superabsorbent material can be biodegradable or bipolar. The hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material can be formed from organic hydrogel-forming polymeric material, which can include natural materials such as agar, pectin, and guar gum; modified natural materials such as carboxymethylcellulose, carboxyethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose; and synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers. Synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl morpholinone, vinyl sulfonic acid polymers and copolymers, polyacrylates, polyacrylates, polyvinylpyridine and the like. Other suitable hydrogel-forming polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, and isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. Hydrogel-forming polymers can be lightly cross-linked to render the material substantially insoluble in water. Crosslinking, for example, can be by irradiation or covalent, ionic, Van der Waals or hydrogen bonding. The superabsorbent material may be appropriately included in a designated storage or retention portion of the absorbent system and may optionally be employed in other components or portions of the absorbent system. absorbent article. The superabsorbent material can be included in the absorbent layer or other fluid storage layer of the absorbent article of the present invention in an amount of up to about 60% by weight. Typically, the superabsorbent material, when present, will be included in an amount of from about 10% to about 100% by weight, based on the total weight of the absorbent layer. "Superabsorbent polymer particles" or "SAP" refer to organic or inorganic materials that swell with water and that are generally insoluble in water, under the most favorable conditions, can absorb at least about 10 times their weight, or at less about 15 times its weight, or at least about 25 times its weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. In absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence pads, etc., the particle size is usually 100 to 800 µm, preferably 300 to 600 µm, more preferably 400 to 500 µm.

The term "topsheet" refers to a sheet of liquid-permeable material that forms the inner cover of the absorbent article and that, in use, is placed in direct contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet is typically used to help insulate the wearer's skin from the liquids contained in the absorbent structure. The topsheet may comprise a non-woven material, for example carded, spunbond, meltblown, hydroentangled, wet lay, etc. Suitable nonwovens can be made of man-made fibers, such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, viscose, rayon, etc. or natural fibers, such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, or from a mixture of natural and artificial fibers. The topsheet material can also be composed of two fibers, which can be bonded together in a bonding pattern. Other examples of the topsheet materials are porous foams, open plastic films, nonwoven laminates and open plastic films, etc. Materials suitable as topsheet materials should be soft and non-irritating to the skin and easily penetrated by body fluid, eg, urine or menstrual fluid. The inner cover sheet may also be different in different parts of the absorbent article. The topsheet fabrics can be comprised of a substantially hydrophobic material and the hydrophobic material can optionally be treated with a surfactant or otherwise processed to exert a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity.

As used herein, the adjective "transverse" or "lateral" refers to a line, imaginary axis, or direction that resides within the plane of the absorbent article and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

By "ultrasonic welding" is meant a technology that fixes two materials by melting them with heat generated by ultrasonic oscillation and then rolling them together so that the molten materials flow and fill the gap between the two intact portions of the two materials, respectively. . After cooling and shaping, the two materials are fixed to each other.

By "shape activated lock" is meant the locking of an item by means of the shape, for example of a key lock where the shape of an item provides a resisting force against its opening. By "force activated locking" is meant locking through a means selected from the group consisting of electromechanical, magnetic, adhesive force, and combinations thereof.

"Substantial portion", as used herein with reference to an element / component (eg, moisture sensing tracks), refers to at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% of said component / element, generally measured as a surface area obtained in the flat state of the absorbent article.

By "moisture detection tracks", as used herein, tracks suitable for detecting moisture are meant, but are not limited to, for example such tracks may additionally or alternatively detect other ways of exudates that do not necessarily produce moisture, for example, detect feces.

"Substantially perpendicular (or parallel)" refers to an element that extends at an angle of no more than 35 °, preferably less than 25 °, more preferably less than 20 °, even more preferably, less than 15 °, even more preferably, less than 10 °, and most preferably, less than 5 °, from the indicated perpendicular (or parallel) imaginary axis.

In the following, embodiments according to the invention will be described. It is understood that the technical characteristics described in one or more embodiments can be combined with one or more embodiments without departing from the intention of the disclosure and without generalizing.

THE SUBSTRATE

The substrate 1 is suitable for incorporation into an absorbent article 100 to automatically detect cases of humidity inside and / or the risk of exudates leaking from it, and may comprise a first surface 2, disposed proximal to a body-facing side of absorbent article 100, and a second surface 3, opposite said first surface 2 and disposed proximal to a garment-facing side of said absorbent article 100, comprising typically said substrate 1 a plurality of sensor tracks 101 disposed on said first surface 2, wherein said sensor tracks 101 are in electrical communication with a latchable data processing module 103 when this is connected, in a proximal position, to a first end 5 of the substrate 1, in order to form a closed electrical circuit, normally to measure the resistance, impedance and / or capacitance across it, wherein said substrate 1 preferably comprises one or more slits 15 and an insulating layer 200 placed on said first surface 2 for sandwiching at least a portion of said sensor tracks 101 in between (preferably comprising and said portion at least the central track, as will be described in detail later), and wherein a pocket 16 is formed between said first surface 2 and said insulating layer 200, at least proximal to said first end 5, said pocket 16 being in fluid communication, preferably uniquely, with said slit (s) 15 and arranged to retain at least a portion of said latchable data processing module 103 therein. An advantage of this arrangement is that an efficient retention pocket is achieved thanks to an economical and scalable manufacturing process, which allows such substrates to be manufactured at high production speeds and which ensures that a pocket is formed to retain the module in contact with the components. sensor tracks, while at the same time providing insulation against exudates when the substrate is soaked.

The pocket 16 is in the form of a channel extending from the first end 5 to a second end 6 of the substrate 1, said channel being bordered by joint seals 22 arranged oppositely, so that said channel remains impermeable to exudates. Advantageously, this arrangement makes it possible to limit errors in sensor measurements by adequately isolating the sensor tracks that are connected to the module, while allowing continuous, economical and rapid production. In one embodiment, the ends of the channel proximal to the first end 5 and / or to the second end 6 of the substrate 1 do not have joint seals 22. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the ends of the channel proximal to the first End 5 and / or the second end 6 of the substrate 1 also comprise bonding seals 22.

Preferably, pocket 16 is dimensioned to match the dimensions of a clip-on module pocket insert 103 (sometimes also referred to herein as "connecting element"), which typically comprises terminals 33 (as will be described herein, in greater detail, below), such that said terminals 33 enter into electrical communication with the respective portions of the sensor tracks 101 simply by inserting the clip-on module into pocket 16 until the pocket dimension stops it. and can not be introduced more. Advantageously, this allows the caregiver to connect the clip-on module without having to worry about specifically positioning the module to ensure a good electrical connection.

Preferably, pocket 16 is dimensioned to accommodate therein at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80%, of the total surface area, or of the total volume, of the clip-on data processing module 103. An advantage is that the module can be properly and safely stuck and retained and that there is less risk of it being unintentionally dismounted.

As exemplified in Figure 9, pocket 16 is preferably located at a distance d ^p from the first end 5, wherein said substrate has a length L parallel to an imaginary longitudinal axis (yy), said distance d ^{p being} 0 L to 0.30 L, preferably 0.05 L to 0.25 L, preferably 0.10 L to 0.20 L, more preferably 0.12 L to 0.16 L. An advantage of this embodiment is to combine that the user is comfortable and that, at the same time, the caregivers have easy access, for example, to give abdominal injections to the subjects.

Preferably, pocket 16 has a length L ^p of 20 mm to 70 mm. In one embodiment, pocket 16 has a length L ^p of 0.5 ^dp to 2.0 ^dp , preferably 1.0 ^dp to 1.5 ^dp , even more preferably 1.1 ^dp to 1 , 4d ^p . In addition, or alternatively, pocket 16 has a length L ^p of greater than or equal to 0.01 L, preferably 0.02 L to 0.3 L, more preferably 0.03 L to 0.1 L. Advantageously, this dimensioning allows a large portion of the module to be retained within the pocket and also to prevent it from shifting, so that there is a reliable connection of the module and the sensor tracks, even after a subject assumes different positions, while that, at the same time, sufficient comfort is provided. In fact, below the aforementioned ranges, the effectiveness of the gluing is affected and, above these ranges, the comfort of the user is affected and, in addition, the risk that the module is displaced and is increased. produce false connections with the sensor tracks.

As exemplified in FIG. 10, the slit (s) 15 preferably comprise one or more insertion indicators, arranged to indicate to the user the insertion position, through it, of the clip-on processing module 103, preferably, wherein said insertion indicator is selected from the group consisting of: indicia 25 (as used herein, "indicia" means one or more printed colors or textures or graphics) located on a surface of the insulating layer 200 which is oriented towards said substrate, so that said indicia are seen through said slit (s) 15; indicia, located on the surface facing the garment of said substrate 1, so that they surround a perimeter of said slit (s) 15 and, preferably, that additionally comprise one or more printed graphics; a patch 17, comprising the indicia that can be attached to the garment-facing surface of said substrate 1, so as to surround a perimeter of said slit (s) 15; and combinations thereof. Advantageously, this arrangement facilitates the efficient and intuitive insertion of the module in the proper place, thus creating the electrical connection required for correct operation while limiting the caregiver to manipulate excessively.

As exemplified in Figure 11, a backing layer 18 is preferably attached to a garment-facing surface of said substrate 1 along the perimeter of slit (s) 15 and at least a portion of said surface. outside said perimeter, and where said slit (s) 15 form (s) an opening that does not have said reinforcing layer 18. This arrangement advantageously reduces the risk of tearing when handling the module.

In one embodiment, said backing layer 18 is laminated over the entire garment-facing surface of said substrate 1, except for the opening; or is laminated on a central portion of said garment-facing surface of said substrate 1 along the length L of said substrate 1, except for said opening; or it is laminated only on an area of said surface facing the garment immediately adjacent to the perimeter of said slit (s) 15, with the exception of said opening.

In one embodiment, the backing layer 18 is in the form of a patch, said patch preferably having a color and / or texture that is different (visually or to the touch) from that of the garment-facing surface of said substrate 1. Advantageously, This allows mechanical performance to be combined with visual indication for easy module connection.

As exemplified in Figure 12, the slit (s) 15 may be in the shape of a straight linear cut, square cut, square cut with rounded edges, oval cut, rounded rhombus cut, mouth cut, and combinations. of these, preferably oval cut, rounded rhombus cut and / or mouth-shaped cut. Alternatively or additionally, the slit (s) 15 may be rounded, so that a flap 26 is formed, having flap length Lf, arranged to be lifted with a finger to allow insertion of unit 103. Preferably, wherein the slit (s) 15 has (s) a cut radius Rc that is greater than or equal to the flap length Lf, more preferably, where Lf ranges from 0.01 L to 0.5 Lp, preferably 0.1 Lp to 0.4 Lp.

Preferably, the slit (s) 15 may have sharp edges with a notch radius R of less than 1 mm, and preferably have a length-to-width (a / b) aspect ratio of 1.5 to 7, preferably 2 to 6, more preferably 2.5 to 5, wherein said slit width extends parallel to an imaginary longitudinal axis yy, and said slit length extends perpendicular to said imaginary axis yy. In a preferred embodiment, R is greater than or equal to 3mm, preferably greater than or equal to 5mm, even more preferably 5.5mm to 20mm, even more preferably 6mm to 15mm.

Without being bound by theory, the maximum stress at the tip of an ellipse (for example, a slit / cut with rounded edges) is related to its size and shape by the following equation:

where 2a is the length of the slit, 2b is the width of the slit, and R is the notch radius (also known as the radius of curvature).

Therefore, to reduce local stresses at the ends of the slit, it is convenient to shape the slit as described above, in order to advantageously reduce the risk of tearing and propagation of cracks during use, these dimensions being selected, in particular, for the materials normally used in the substrates herein, such as non-woven webs and / or polymeric films. As exemplified in Figure 13, the plurality of sensor tracks 101 is preferably divided into a right half of circuit 19 and a left half of circuit 20, arranged symmetrically around an imaginary longitudinal axis yy, and comprises at least two tracks centers 4 extending parallel to each other along the length L of the substrate 1, each being directly connected to said right half of circuit 19 or said left half of circuit 20, respectively, and wherein said right half 19 is in electrical communication with said left half 20 only when the clip-on processing module 103 is connected thereto, or wherein said right half 19 and said left half 20 are not in electrical communication with each other when the clip-on processing module 103 is connected and rather, they remain two independent electrical circuits. Advantageously, this allows, not only a reduced energy consumption during humidity monitoring, in order to have a reduced size battery in the module, but it can also advantageously allow to detect if the leak is occurring on the left or right side. of the absorbent substrate / article.

In addition, or alternatively to the described embodiment, and as exemplified in Figure 18, the plurality of tracks sensor 101 is preferably divided into a front circuit half 27 and a rear circuit half 28, arranged symmetrically around an imaginary axis perpendicular to the imaginary longitudinal axis yy, and comprises at least two central tracks 4 extending parallel to each other along the length L of the substrate 1, each being directly connected to said front circuit half 27 and / or said rear circuit half 28, and wherein said front half 27 is in electrical communication with said rear half 28 only when the clip-on processing module 103 is connected thereto, or where said front half 27 and said rear half 28 are not in electrical communication with each other when the clip-on processing module 103 is connected and, rather, remain two circuits independent electric. The front circuit half 27 is preferably proximal to the pocket 16 and the rear circuit half is distal from said pocket 16. Advantageously, this allows individual detection and determination of leaks at the front / rear ends of the absorbent substrate / article. It is hereby understood that when this embodiment is combined with that of the preceding paragraph, the total number of sections / circuits may be four, but it is understood that more than four are also possible. As exemplified in Figure 18, the sensor tracks 101 may comprise 3 or more arrays for each side (left / right, front / rear, and part of the crotch (or central portion of said tracks).

As explained hereinabove, the pocket for inserting a first part of the electrical device can be created by attaching a second layer of strip on the skin-facing side of the garment-facing substrate. The strip layer can be the full length of the product or be just a patch in position to create a pocket. The joining of the two layers can be done with hot melt adhesives, ultrasonic bonding or other suitable means of bonding technologies.

The pocket can have a dimension, in the longitudinal direction, created by an intermittent joining pattern that leaves open a space that coincides with the dimension of the first part of the device (to be inserted). The pocket may have a cross-sectional dimension created by the bonding pattern on either side of the strip material, so that a space is left open which coincides with the cross-sectional dimension of the first part of the device (which is will insert).

To insert the module, an opening cut (or slit) can be created in the interior of the layer facing the garment or substrate. The aperture cut can be a simple straight line or it can be shaped that requires removal of the die cut during the manufacturing process. The opening cutout may be shaped to easily identify the position for inserting the electrical device, to allow easy insertion, and to hold the device securely in place after insertion. The shape preferably has a notch radius that creates a rounded shape with good notch toughness and good tear resistance. This can be beneficial in preserving the bonding of the electrical device even when forces from the outside work against this bonding and therefore undesirably increases the risk of the garment facing layer tearing. The insertion of the device can be supported thanks to the compressibility of the absorbent core below / behind the opening. The device can be pressed against the garment facing layer and against the absorbent core underneath. By doing this, the opening will open wider and allow the device to slide in.

To reinforce the layer facing the garment in the part where the electrical device is glued, a reinforcing layer can be added. The reinforcing layer increases tensile strength by combining it with the garment facing layer through a lamination process. The backing layer may be a layer that fully covers the garment-facing layer or a layer that covers the garment-facing layer without the side panels or a layer that covers the garment-facing layer only with a patch in position. opening.

To help the user or caregiver to find the gluing position of the electrical device, these construction elements can provide some assistance. For example, the strip layer may have a different color than the garment-facing layer so that this color can be seen through the opening, or the reinforcing patch may have a different color than the oriented layer. Garment facing or garment facing cape may have a print indicating the position of the opening, or a combination of these options.

The printed electrodes can be covered by the strip material against the absorbent core. The printed electrodes may be interconnected with a conductive matrix near the strip material which is actually facing the absorbent core. This matrix is the sensor that monitors the absorption of the diaper.

In one embodiment, as shown, for example, from Figures 1 to 4, the substrate 1, suitable to be incorporated into an absorbent article 100 for the automatic detection of cases of humidity (and / or exudates) therein, comprises a first surface 2, disposed proximal to a body-facing side of absorbent article 100, and a second surface 3, opposite said first surface 2 and disposed proximal to a garment-facing side of said absorbent article 100 , said substrate 1 comprising a plurality of sensor tracks 101 arranged on said first surface 2 and said sensor tracks 101 comprising: at least one central track 4, extending parallel to a length L of the substrate and parallel to an imaginary longitudinal axis yy crossing a first end 5 and a second end 6 of substrate 1; at least two side tracks 7, 8 that extend parallel to the center track 4 (herein, by "parallel" is meant substantially parallel and is not necessarily limited to the side tracks that extend over the entire length L, although if preferred) and arranged oppositely, so that the center track 4 extends between them; and tracks sensors 9 extending outward from said two tracks 7, 8, wherein said central track 4, said side tracks 7, 8 and said moisture detection tracks 9 are in electrical communication through one or more elements shorting devices 10 located proximal to said second end 6 and distal from said first end 5, and wherein the substrate 1 can be connected to a hookable data processing module 103 in a position proximal to said first end 5 and distal from said first short-circuit elements 10, in order to form a closed electrical circuit, usually to measure resistance and / or capacitance across it. It has been advantageously discovered that a substrate comprising the described sensor track arrangement accurately detects exudates, as well as being particularly suitable for scalable mass and serial production at high speeds without having to change the arrangement depending on the size of the the products. For example, an advantage of locating the moisture detection tracks outside of the other tracks is that if / when the substrate is cut to form, for example, the leg openings (which can vary depending on the size of the product), the circuitry will not be damaged (since, for example, the central feedback track will always remain intact) and the detection of moisture will continue to be guaranteed by the areas of greatest risk of leakage, which are located proximal to the edges and / or sides of the absorbent article.

Preferably, the center track (s) 4 has (are) the highest conductivity compared to other sensor tracks 101.

In one embodiment, the distance between said at least two side tracks 7, 8 is less than 0.3 W, where W is the width of the substrate 1 that extends perpendicular to its length L. Preferably, said distance is less than 0.2 W, more preferably, said distance is from 0.01 W to 0.18 W, even more preferably, from 0.04 W to 0.15 W. Advantageously, the limitation of the The distance between these tracks allows for a larger area of moisture detection surface to detect moisture occurrences and can also make subsequent isolation of the feedback track easier to obtain in rapid series production, such as will be further explained in the following embodiments.

In one embodiment, the distance between each side track 7, 8 and the side edges 12, 13 of the substrate 1 is greater than 0.2 W, preferably greater than 0.25 W, even more preferably, greater than 0.26 W less than 0.5 W, even more preferably 0.27 W to 0.47 W, and most preferably 0.3 W to 0.4 W. As above, it is not only desirable that the side tracks are separated, even though they are close to each other, but also that the distance between each side track and the side edges of the substrate is the maximum possible to increase the detection area covered by the moisture detection tracks 9.

In one embodiment, the center track 4 extends along a center line of the substrate 1 that runs along the imaginary longitudinal axis y-y. Preferably, wherein each side track 7, 8 is arranged symmetrically on each side of said center track 4. An advantage of this arrangement is that short-circuit distances are reduced, thus limiting the risk of the circuit failing and / or signal noise.

The substrate 1 consists of a liquid impermeable backsheet, preferably a breathable and liquid impermeable backsheet.

In one embodiment, the moisture detection tracks 9 are characterized by resistance values (or more clearly, impedance). In fact, the resistive measurements described herein are not limited to direct current (DC) power sources, but also and most preferably to alternating current (AC) power sources. Said moisture detection tracks 9 generally have a tight resistance / impedance design, which can be further defined thanks to a mathematical distribution model in the variation of the respective impedance / resistance values on a surface of the absorbent article, it being possible to say distribution model a linear, quadratic or logarithmic distribution, preferably logarithmic.

In a preferred embodiment, the resistance / impedance of the moisture detection tracks 9 proximal to the lateral edges 12, 13 and / or the first / second ends 5, 6 of the substrate 1 is greater than in any other portion of said substrate 1 (normally, said other portions are inside said lateral edges 12, 13 and / or first / second ends 5, 6 and proximal to the middle and / or center of the substrate 1). In an alternative embodiment, said resistance / impedance is substantially the same along the moisture detection tracks 9.

In particular, but not only, in the latter embodiment (i.e. also independently of this), the moisture detection tracks 9 can form a grid pattern across the substrate 1, wherein said grid comprises resistive elements (and / or conductors) that run substantially parallel to the imaginary longitudinal axis and and as well as substantially perpendicular to it. The latter arrangement is desirable to ensure reliable detection of moisture events, also after the product is soaked, which inevitably causes expansion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article and therefore more likely that the components of the absorbent core (eg, core wrap) peel off the backsheet. Surprisingly, it has been found that this grid structure is suitable for providing continuous and reliable detection, also under extreme conditions.

In a preferred embodiment, the grid pattern may vary over the surface of the substrate 1 and is arranged so that the distance between each resistive (and / or conductive) element (also referred to herein as "elements") is less in the positions proximal to the lateral edges 12, 13 and to the edges 5, 6 of the substrate 1 compared to other regions of the substrate 1, which are normally proximal to its center. An advantage is being able to accurately detect the risk of leakage, which has been found to be most necessary near the edges of the product.

In one embodiment, the resistance / impedance of the moisture detection tracks 9 varies over the entire surface of the substrate 1, so that it is preferably greater in the regions proximal to the lateral edges 12, 13 of the substrate 1. The resistance / impedance can be increased by limiting the amount of electrically conductive / conductive material, for example in the case of printed sensor tracks the tracks can be made thinner and / or the total weight% of the printed sensor tracks , proximal to said lateral edges, may be less than the% by total weight of the printed sensor tracks of said lateral edges 12, 13 and proximal to a center of the substrate 1.

Preferably, the sensor tracks 101 comprise an electrically conductive material and, preferably, printed sensor tracks. In a preferred embodiment, the printed sensor tracks 101 preferably comprise a carbon-based ink and / or a conductive polymer-based ink, the carbon-based ink preferably comprising a conductive compound selected from group consisting of graphene, graphite, nanocarbon tubes and mixtures thereof, preferably the conductive polymer-based ink comprising a conductive compound selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, and copolymers thereof, more preferably , selected from the group consisting of poly (pyrrole) es (PPY), polyanilines (PANI), poly (thiophene) s (PT), poly (p-phenylene sulphide) (PPS), poly (p-phenylene) (PPP) , poly (acetylene) s (PAC), poly (p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV), poly (3,4-ethylenedioixtiophene) (PEDOT), and mixtures thereof, and most preferably, the ink comprising conductive polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT : PSS). An advantage of this arrangement is that fast production is achieved while ensuring good compatibility with the final product, as opposed to adding extraneous conductive elements, such as copper wires and the like, which are more prone to tearing. the liquid-impermeable substrate. In fact, in the disclosure of this document it is preferred to avoid inks that contain metals (that is, that are inks without metals), in particular, due to the environmental impact of disposal.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the substrate 1 further comprises an insulating layer 200, preferably impermeable to liquids, adhered to it and with dimensions to cover said at least one central track 4 and at least a portion of the side tracks 7 , 8 (typically, said "at least one portion" is proximal to a position where the clip-on data processing module is connected to said substrate), said insulating layer 200 being adapted to provide a seal and / or barrier against liquids, so that they do not come into contact with said central track 4 and said at least a portion of the side tracks 7, 8, preferably where the moisture detection tracks 9 remain exposed and are not covered by said insulating layer 200. An advantage of this arrangement is that the insulating layer protects the center tracks and portions of the side tracks and prevents them from coming into direct contact with the exudates and therefore limits the flow. sgo from false positives, noise, and even failure to detect. This is not only found along the length L of the central track, but, importantly, also along the lateral tracks of the portions proximal to the connection position of the clip-on unit.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 200 is a non-conductive substrate, such as a film, which typically comprises polyethylene, although alternatively, the insulating layer 200 is in the form of a non-conductive adhesive (preferably a hot melt adhesive) and / or a non-conductive ink. In case the shorting elements are printed on the insulating layer, it may be advantageous to use a conductive adhesive to conductively connect the printed tracks of the substrate with the printed shorting elements of the insulating layer to each other. The use of the conductive adhesive may be limited to certain points where the conductive connection is created interdentally, while, in other positions, it may be desirable to avoid a short circuit between the center track and the side track through the conductive adhesive.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 200 has a length extending parallel to the length L of the substrate 1, which is equal to or less than said length L of the substrate 1. Preferably, the length of said insulating layer 200 is 0.8 L to L, preferably 0.85 L to 0.99 L.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the width w of the insulating layer 200 is less than the width W of the backsheet (and / or of the substrate 1), preferably it is less than 0.5 W, more preferably 0.05 W at 0.35 W, even more preferably 0.08 W to 0.30 W, and most preferably 0.1 W to 0.2 W.

In a preferred embodiment, insulating layer 200 has a thickness (typically extending along an imaginary axis perpendicular to the length and width w of said insulating layer) of 0.7 mm or less, preferably 0.005 mm to 0.500mm, more preferably 0.010mm to 0.200mm, more preferably 0.015mm to 0.08mm. Thickness measurements can be made according to the ASTM D1777 method and typically a micrometer such as the C640 or CHY-C2A from Labthink International, 200 River's Edge Drive, Medford, Massachusetts, USA is used.

USA

Preferably, the insulating layer 200 comprises said one or more short-circuit elements 10, so that the central track 4, the side tracks 7, 8 and the humidity detection tracks 9 are in electrical communication through said short-circuit elements 10 when said insulating layer 200 is attached to the substrate 1. An advantage of this arrangement is that it allows an unregistered process to be used in the processing of the substrate, in fact, the registered printing of lower sheets would add complexity and costs to the overall production.

In one embodiment, the substrate 1 comprises at least two, preferably at least three central tracks 4 that extend in parallel to each other and that are furthermore in electrical communication with each other by means of one or more secondary short-circuit elements 11, preferably said Secondary shorting elements 11 are located distal from shorting elements 10 and between said shorting elements 10 and the first end 5 of substrate 1, typically to provide one or more resistance identifiers, more preferably, wherein the insulating layer 200 comprises said secondary short-circuit elements 11. An advantage is that identifiers, such as absorbance level of the absorbent article, size, etc. can be predefined and detected when the clip-on module is connected, based on the location of secondary shorts that generate a preset resistance level that the module can detect by comparing, for example, the initial resistive measurement after connection to the absorbent article with the presets that may be stored in memory within the unit.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the sensor pattern is generally recorded, the shorting elements 10 and / or the secondary shorting elements described herein are included on the substrate. 1 and not in the insulating layer 200. In such embodiments, the humidity detection tracks 9 may comprise more than one densified zone, wherein said densified zones are elaborated with a higher concentration of said detection tracks 9 compared to others. areas of said detection tracks 9 (for example, reduced pitch between the elements of the detection tracks 9 versus the pitch between the elements of said detection tracks 9 in other areas, or a greater coverage of the surface area of said tracks detection 9 versus the coverage of the surface area in the other areas). Preferably, said densified areas are located proximal to the lateral edges 12, 13 in a central portion of the crotch region and / or in positions proximal to the contour of the absorbent core when they laminate the substrate to form the assembled absorbent article. As shown in Figure 8, the sensor design may comprise registration marks 300 arranged to provide activation of a registration device that performs process steps, such as cutting, at a precise position during the manufacturing process and the assembly of the substrate into other components to assemble the final absorbent article.

When the substrate 1 comprises two or more central tracks 4, the imaginary longitudinal axis yy may extend between at least two of said two or more central tracks 4. An advantage of this arrangement is that this allows the attachable module to be reliably located and connected correctly and appropriately to the respective tracks.

In one embodiment, at least a substantial portion of the moisture sensing tracks 9 remains exposed to liquids and is not covered by the insulating layer 200. It remains exposed, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%. , even more preferably at least 98%, and most preferably 100% of the surface area of the moisture detection tracks.

In one embodiment, the moisture detection tracks 9 are in the form of a grid and / or pattern that repeats along the length L of the substrate 1 and a dimension substantially perpendicular thereto, said grid and / or pattern preferably comprising , a plurality of at least partially interconnected resistive elements 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, each having a selected shape of straight lines; curve lines; wavy; with a geometric shape such as squares, parallelogram, triangles, circles, ellipses, points, and combinations of these; decorative elements such as flowers, butterflies and combinations of these; and combinations thereof. Preferably, the humidity detection tracks 9 form a grid or pattern that repeats along the length L of the substrate 1 and a dimension perpendicular to it, said grid and / or pattern preferably comprising a plurality of at least elements partially interconnected resistors, each having a selected shape of straight lines and / or curved lines, where the lines can be replaced by interconnected decorative elements that form a pattern along the track. The width of said lines and / or of the connected pattern that replaces the lines can be up to 50% of the distance between the neighboring tracks. The tracks in the longitudinal direction can be arranged parallel to the side tracks 7, 8 or at an angle relative to them of up to 45 °, preferably 2 ° to 30 °, more preferably 5 ° to 25 °. Other tracks can be arranged perpendicular to the side tracks 7, 8 or at an angle relative to them of up to / -45 °, preferably 2 ° to 30 °, more preferably 5 ° to 25 ° (the angles are measure either as positive or negative angles, for example, 45 ° or -45 °).

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of the resistive elements, preferably most, more preferably all, extending in a direction towards the lateral edges 12, 13 of the substrate 1 are at an angle a with respect to the imaginary longitudinal axis yy, being said angle a from 2 ° to 45 °, preferably from 5 ° to 30 °, more preferably from 8 ° to 25 °, even more preferably from 10 ° to 20 °. An advantage of this arrangement is that, during the application stage in the process, the reduction of wear and tear of the components is achieved compared to when the elements are extended at angles of more than 45 ° (in particular, right angles). This arrangement has been found to be desirable to continue to provide accurate detection, even in situations where the article is soaked (which can lead to peel problems, as described above), thus making it a fairly optimal arrangement both from the functional as well as the production point of view.

Preferably, a plurality of the resistive elements of the moisture detection tracks 9, preferably most, more preferably all, extending in a direction towards the first and / or second end 5, 6 of the substrate 1 are at an angle p with respect to the imaginary longitudinal axis yy, said angle p being from 2 ° to 45 °, preferably from 5 ° to 30 °, more preferably from 8 ° to 25 °, even more preferably from 10 ° to 20 °. An advantage of these provisions is that the benefits described above are more accentuated.

In an embodiment as shown in example figure 3, at least one, preferably each of the lateral tracks 7, 8 is discontinuous along an imaginary axis parallel to the length L of the substrate 1, in order to send a current through the moisture detection tracks 9 towards the regions proximal to the lateral edges 12, 13 of the substrate 1, said lateral edges 12, 13 extending between the first and second ends 5, 6 and along the length L of the substrate 1, preferably wherein at least a portion of the moisture detection tracks 9 are connected and disconnected directly alternately to the respective side tracks 7, 8 along the length L of the substrate 1. Preferably, said portion of the humidity detection tracks 9 is proximal to the first and / or second ends 5, 6 of the substrate 1. An advantage of this arrangement is that a better precision of detection of the exudates is achieved where it is most necessary assess the risk of leakage, that is, in the area proximal to the sides and / or ends of the substrate. On the other hand, by having an alternate connection of the humidity detection tracks, as shown in Figure 3, in the regions proximal to the first and / or second end, it also improves the detection capacity proximal to the portion. core of the substrate in regions where potential leakage and / or discomfort may occur. Surprisingly, this arrangement has been found to be beneficial when using an unregistered random printed design.

In one embodiment, the moisture detection tracks 9 are not evenly distributed over the surface of the substrate 1 and are arranged so that the portions of said moisture detection tracks proximal to the lateral edges 12, 13 of the substrate 1 are thinner. that said portions distal to these and proximal to the center of the substrate. Preferably, the tracks that run perpendicular to the imaginary longitudinal axis y-y are thinner than those that run parallel to it.

In any of the embodiments herein, the substrate 1 further comprises temperature sensing tracks outside of the humidity sensing tracks. An advantage of this embodiment is that, by additionally monitoring the temperature at the extremities of the substrate, more accurate detection of leaks can be obtained in addition to resistance / capacitance measurements.

THE ABSORBING ARTICLE

In one embodiment, the absorbent article 100 according to the present disclosure (as exemplified in Figure 5) is typically a disposable diaper, napkin, or panty to detect a case of moisture (i.e., urine and / or feces) within it. and / or the risk of exudates seeping therefrom, said absorbent article comprising: a liquid impermeable backsheet; a liquid-permeable topsheet and an absorbent core interposed between said backsheet and said topsheet, wherein said backsheet comprises the substrate 1 described herein, typically the backsheet, absorbent core, and topsheet, forming the frame of the absorbent article.

As exemplified in Figure 14, pocket 16 may be located within a core region and preferably at a distance d ^c from a proximal edge of core 21, said pocket 16 having a pocket length L ^p , and at where d ^c ranges from 0.01 L ^p to 0.3 L ^p , preferably from 0.05 L ^p to 0.25 L ^p , more preferably from 0.08 L ^p to 0.20 L ^p . Advantageously, this arrangement allows the comfort and cushioning provided by the core layer thanks to its thickness. "Within a core region" means that the pocket is positioned so that a portion of the core is interposed between the subject and said pocket (and, for example, the module when inserted / connected to it) when worn Article.

Preferably, as exemplified in FIG. 15, the article further comprises a removable, clip-on data processing module 103 having a plurality of exposed electrically conductive terminals 33 that can make direct contact with the center 4 and side tracks 7, 8 of the plurality of sensor tracks 101, preferably wherein the number of said terminals 33 is at least the same as the number of said central 4 and lateral tracks 7, 8. For example, the terminals may be dimensioned with sufficient length to guarantee that are correctly connected to the sensor tracks and may comprise a multiple of said terminals arranged in series to ensure optimal connection.

Preferably, as exemplified in Figure 9 and Figure 16, at least a portion of the Clip-on data processing 103 may be retained or retained within pocket 16, said pocket being delimited along its perimeter by a bonding seal 22, preferably selected from an adhesive material, and along its outer surface facing the garment. by the surface facing the garment of the substrate 1, and along its internal surface facing the skin (also called "body facing") by the insulating layer 200, where, normally, said portion is the one that comprises the exposed electrically conductive terminals 33.

As shown in Figure 17, the position of the pocket (that is, the gluing position of the module) is preferably selected to ensure that the garment is comfortable and has good accessibility for caregivers. The placement is preferably carried out on the front side of the user, below the navel position 23, so that it is not difficult to give injections to the patient at this point. The donning is also not too low and is preferably above the position of the pubic bone 24 to ensure that the garment is comfortable to wear. The bonding point is preferably in a position that provides some cushioning and cushioning, with the absorbent core underneath.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article 100 is arranged to measure and monitor the amount of exudate on a surface covered by the surface covered by the moisture detection tracks 9, in addition to detecting the position of the subject (e.g., sitting, lying down face up or side, etc.) with the motion sensor included in the module 103 described hereinabove. The processor can then use the position information to calculate the effect of that position (for example, the effects of angle gravity) on the soaking rate of a given area of the absorbent article and is compared and / or combined with the detected humidity signals, received in said determined zone by the respective portion of the humidity detection tracks 9. Preferably, the soaking level of a plurality of individual and / or local zones within the absorbent article is determined. This is advantageous over prior art systems that rather provide full soak information, since the risk of leakage can be truly high in a single specific region of the absorbent article, even though the level is not yet reached. overall / total soaking of the absorbent article. In such cases, a leak may continue to occur and a warning will not be provided to the caregiver, on the contrary, the absorbent articles described herein will advantageously monitor area-specific moisture information in combination with position data to more effectively alert caregivers when the risk of leakage is high, thus prompting intervention (for example, turning the patient to a new position or replacing the absorbent article).

The volume within an absorbent article is not only what defines the moment of leakage, but the position of the person's body over time also plays a fundamental role in determining the distribution of the liquid within the absorbent article. . The present disclosure addresses this by combining total absorbed volume and more accurate sensing of a person's body position (e.g., lying down (back / face up / left / right side), sitting or standing) with the passage of time, which determines when an absorbent article is most likely to start leaking. This detection of the more precise position referred to is related, for example, not only to sitting or lying down, but it implies that the person is lying on a particular side of his body, or in case he is sitting, that the person is sitting upright or at a certain angle. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that the particular arrangement of sensor tracks described herein works in synergy with the position sensing system to accurately determine the risk of leakage in use.

The absorbent article may also comprise additional components which are common in the art and which are selected from the group consisting of: a liquid distribution layer (ADL), located between the topsheet and the absorbent core; elastic or non-elastic lower wings fixed to the frame in a position proximal to the second end 6 of the substrate 1 forming the backsheet; superabsorbent polymer particles and / or fibers that are normally included within the absorbent core; cellulose fibers that are usually included within the absorbent core; fastening tapes attached to the lower wings for adhesive and / or mechanical engagement to a garment-facing surface of the backsheet at a position proximal to the first end 5; elastic waist band located proximal to the first and / or second end 5, 6; and combinations thereof. When the absorbent article is a diaper brief, the absorbent article may comprise a front stripe proximal to the first end 5 and a rear stripe located proximal to the second end 6, said stripes being separated from each other by the frame of the absorbent article and directly attached to each other by means of two opposite side seams, said stripes being elastic (normally). When the absorbent article is a pad, it may be designed as a two-piece system, where the second piece is an elastic diaper brief (reusable or disposable) that securely holds the first piece (said absorbent article) in place.

In one embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a nonwoven core wrap, normally arranged so that said core wrap does not fold (i.e. there is no nonwoven overlap), which comes into direct contact with the sheet. rear comprising the sensor tracks. The nonwoven core wrap typically exhibits hydrophilic properties, allowing liquid to come into contact with the moisture sensing tracks.

In one embodiment, the absorbent article comprises a clip-on data processing module 103 removable, adapted to monitor and process the resistance and / or capacitance data obtained from the humidity detection tracks 9, said clip-on data processing module 103 being connectable to at least one central track 4 and to said at least two tracks 7, 8 by means of a slit 15 and / or pocket on the back sheet, which allows an electrically conductive portion of said module 103 to enter into electrical communication with said at least one central track 4 and said at least two side tracks 7, 8, the slit and / or pocket being preferably arranged to house therein at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 80% of the area total surface area of the clip-on data processing module 103. An advantage of this arrangement is that the module remains very well secured in the absorbent article, as well as well protected from s e dismount accidentally during subject / user movements.

Preferably, the substrate 1 is positioned so that the first surface 2 faces the absorbent core, and preferably where the insulating layer 200 is attached to said substrate 1 in order to form a liquid-impermeable seal that it provides. a barrier against exudates expelled by the subject, when wearing the absorbent article, so that they do not come into direct contact with said at least one central track 4 and at least a portion of said at least two side tracks 7, 8. Preferably , said insulating layer 200 is adapted to prevent liquids from coming into contact with said central track 4 and at least a portion of said side tracks 7, 8. It is highly preferred that at least a substantial portion of the detection tracks of moisture 9 remains exposed and is not covered by the insulating layer 200.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 200 comprises said one or more short-circuit elements 10, so that the center track 4, the side tracks 7, 8 and the humidity detection tracks 9 are in electrical communication through said elements of short circuit 10 only when said insulating layer 200 is attached to substrate 1. An advantage of this arrangement is that it provides a greater degree of flexibility, in addition to the fact that the assembly process is simplified for reasons that will be better explained in the process section of the present document, thus allowing an efficient unregistered process to be used.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 200 is adhered to the backsheet by means of an adhesive that does not conduct electricity and / or by mechanical bonding, wherein the mechanical bonding is preferably selected from ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations of these. . An advantage of this arrangement is that noise and / or the risk of the moisture detection data being affected is minimized. In case the shorting elements are printed on the insulating layer, it may be advantageous to use a conductive adhesive to conductively connect the printed tracks of the substrate with the printed shorting elements of the insulating layer to each other. The use of the conductive adhesive may be limited to certain points where the conductive connection is created interdentally, while, in other positions, it may be desirable to avoid a short circuit between the center track and the side track through the conductive adhesive.

In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive and / or mechanical bond are included in the length and width of the insulating layer 200 in an effective amount, so that bonding to the backsheet is achieved and a liquid impervious seal is formed. on said at least one central track 4 and at least said portions of the two lateral tracks 7, 8, preferably where in a location proximal to the first end 5 of the substrate, where the hook-on data processing module 103 is to be connected to the adhesive, it is present only outside said at least two side tracks 7, 8, and not between them, in order to form a pocket to receive one or more electrically conductive connection ports 33 of the module 103.

In a preferred embodiment, the first end 5 of the substrate (and / or backsheet) corresponds to the front (or belly part) of the absorbent article and the second end 6 corresponds to the rear of the absorbent article.

As shown in figure 3, said at least a portion of the humidity detection tracks 9, which can be connected and disconnected directly alternately to the respective side tracks 7, 8 along the length L of the substrate 1 , is preferably located proximal to the front and / or rear (and usually without a central portion in between) of the absorbent article. An advantage is that better moisture monitoring is achieved in the front and rear regions of the absorbent article which, together with its sides, has been found to be the most convenient for detecting the risk of leakage.

In one embodiment, the backsheet comprises a slit 15 at a location proximal to the first end 5 of the substrate, where the clip-on data processing module 103 is to be connected, said slit being dimensioned to normally receive only the connecting element through it. flexible 31 (usually comprising the connection ports 33) of the clip-on data processing module 103 and wherein, when said clip-on data processing module 103 is connected, said backsheet is interposed between the free end 32 of the connection element flexible 31 and the housing 30 of the hookable data processing module 103, so that said free end 32 does not come into direct contact with said housing in a position proximal to said free end 32, preferably where the housing 30 is located on a garment-facing side of the backsheet and the free end 32 of the flexible connecting element 31 on a side teral oriented towards the body of the posterior leaf. An advantage of this arrangement is that a secure connection between the module and the frame of the article can be achieved and, in particular, a very secure electrical connection with the sensor tracks is allowed, while it is still protected from dirt due to internal and / or external elements such as dust, exudates, food and others.

THE CLIP-ON PROCESSING MODULE

The clip-on processing modules for use herein are generally of the reattachable and replaceable type. This means that the modules are adapted to be attached to the absorbent article and then disengaged from it when the absorbent article is to be disposed of. Thus, the modules are adapted for various uses and can be connected in sequence to a plurality of absorbent articles (i.e., one after the other) and to the same or a different patient and / or subject. The modules can be cleaned and their battery can be charged in between a plurality of absorbent article changes. The net result is that an efficient, economical and environmentally compatible solution is provided.

As explained in greater detail in the embodiments herein, the electrical device (called a clip-on module) typically has a part that can be inserted into a pocket of the absorbent article, a second part that remains outside said pocket, and a third part that allows said device to be folded between the first and the second part. The bending part can be a mechanical hinge or flexible element that allows relative movement between the first and second parts. This is generally arranged in such a way as to allow all parts to be properly cleaned after use and to avoid gaps that may allow bacteria and germs to grow undesirably. The material of the external surface of the modules is preferably selected so that there is a reduced friction of the first part to be inserted, ideally with a rounded shape and preferably a soft material for the part that remains outside the pocket.

In one aspect, the disclosure comprises a clip-on data processing module 103 suitable for removably attached to the frame of an absorbent article 100 to automatically detect therein instances of moisture and, more preferably, the risk of leakage of exudates, the module 103 comprising: a housing 30; and a connection element 31 (the connection element used herein is preferably flexible but does not necessarily have to be, and instead, here, may also be a rigid element) coupled to said housing 30 and having a free end 32 cantilevered from said housing 30, said end 32 comprising one or more electrically conductive connection ports 33 (also called "terminals"), wherein the housing 30 comprises inside the data processing system , said data processing system comprising a power source, a processor and a transmitter; and a motion sensor in electrical communication with at least said processor, said flexible connecting element 31 being arranged to be attached to the surface of absorbent article 100, wherein absorbent article 100 comprises a plurality of sensor tracks 101, and to connect electrically at least two of said plurality of sensor tracks to said processing system through said one or more electrically conductive connection ports 33.

In one embodiment, the motion sensor (referred to herein as a "position sensor") comprises an accelerometer or gyroscope. Preferably, the humidity event data and the position data, as measured by module 103, are combined to determine the level of soak at a specific location on the absorbent article, which is typically determined, respectively, for a plurality of local areas of said absorbent article. An advantage of this arrangement is that it provides caregivers with more accurate warnings when the risk of leakage is high, thus allowing them to intervene and limiting additional cleaning time and cost. Unlike the systems of the state of the art, the motion sensor described herein is not used in particular to optimize the volume measurement, but to combine the position data with the measured resistance / impedance data to determine a "local" soaking of the absorbent article, and then, to preferably predict the risk of leakage in said localized area of the absorbent article.

In one embodiment, the transmitter can be arranged to transmit / send the measured data to a server or end user, more preferably, said data is transmitted to a server (for example, a cloud server) where the measurement is carried out. further processing of the data (although the processing may also be carried out, at least in part, within the processing unit of the clip-on module of the present disclosure) by, for example, a mathematical logarithmic model to determine the information related to the patient, which includes the risk of leakage within the absorbent article, and then further processed information is uploaded to a graphical user interface to simply communicate the patient's condition to the caregiver, including providing a warning when the absorbent article almost reaches a vanishing point (for example, above a predefined probability threshold, such as above 80%, prefer te above 85%, more preferably 88% to 99%). Other embodiments are described in the incontinence management section below.

In one embodiment, the power source comprised in the housing comprises a battery. The battery and housing 30 can be disconnected from each other and from module 103. Whenever the battery needs to be replaced, for example, because it only has a remaining charge capacity of approximately 10% or less, a prompt on the user interface to allow a caregiver to intervene and replace the battery by simply removing it from the housing 30 and replacing it with another (e.g. fully charged), while Measurement electronics (eg, processor, motion sensor, sensor tracks, and others) can continue to run on power through a micro-charger that is provided and connected to it during battery replacement. Saves time and money as there is no need to remove / replace the entire module 103 when only the low or discharged battery needs to be replaced. Alternatively, the battery may be an integral (non-detachable) portion of the unit within the housing.

In one embodiment, the flexible connection element 31 comprises an elastomer, and wherein said one or more electrically conductive connection ports 33 are exposed from said elastomer when the clip-on data processing module 103 is not connected to the frame of the absorbent article. 100. Preferably, the elastomer comprises one or more polymers having a monomer selected from the group consisting of carbon, silicone, and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the elastomer is selected to slide when contacted with PE. Advantages of this arrangement include increased convenience, which is achieved after connection, as well as ease of cleaning after use.

In one embodiment, the housing 30 is covered by an elastomer that can be the same and / or different from that comprising the flexible connecting element 31 and can be a monolithic structure or a component other than this. When the clip-on data processing module 103 comprises a screen, only the screen can be exposed from said elastomeric cover. An advantage of this arrangement is that the components within the housing are better sealed, in particular, against liquids such as exudates and / or food.

In one embodiment, the housing 30 and the free end 32 of the flexible connecting element 31 comprise a locking element 34 for securing the hookable data processing module 103 to the absorbent article 100, said locking element preferably consisting of a locking element. shape-activated or a force-activated locking element, and which is normally arranged to hold the free end 32 in a position proximal to a portion of the housing 30. Preferably, the locking element comprises a magnet arranged to provide a force fixing between the free end 32 and the housing 30, such that said free end 32 adheres directly or indirectly, preferably indirectly through the backsheet of the absorbent article 100, to said housing.

In a preferred embodiment, the flexible connecting element 31 has a width that is less than the width w of the insulating layer 200, so that, when connected to the frame of the absorbent article 100, said connecting element slides between the layer. insulator 200 and the backsheet, usually forming a pocket to receive it. An advantage of this arrangement is that a secure and protected connection can be achieved simply and inexpensively, resulting in an optimal design that can be easily implemented in rapid mass production processes.

As shown in FIGS. 6A through 6C, the clip-on data processing module 103 may further comprise an electronic ink-based screen 400 for displaying textual and / or graphic cues 41 that are generally related to status. of said module (such as the battery level, the wireless connection to the server and / or the cloud, and others), the patient information and / or the detection status (such as the soaking level of the absorbent article, the% of risk of leakage at any point, and others), said screen comprising: an electronic ink layer 42 including a non-volatile bistable imaging material disposed between an activation layer (or activation grid) 44 and an electrode layer transparent located above the electronic ink layer 42, thus activating the electronic ink layer 42 in particular locations to display textual and / or graphic cues 41 on the surface of the screen, in where the electronic ink layer 42 does not require electrical power to keep the indicia 41 visible. An advantage of this arrangement is that visual data is provided to the caregiver that allows the patient's condition to be reviewed and / or checked directly, or alternatively or additionally, additional modules and / or graphical user interfaces, while, at the same time, minimizing power consumption and the overall size and complexity of the pluggable module.

Optionally, the electronic ink-based screen 400 further comprises a protective layer 40 positioned so that the electronic ink layer 42 lies between said protective layer 40 and said activation layer 44.

In one embodiment, the display comprises a rigid (eg, a glass-based thin film transistor (TFT)) or flexible (eg, a plastic-based TFT) base plate. Example commercially available displays having a rigid base plate for use herein are, for example, ED013TC1, ED027TC2, ED029TC1 and / or ED0350C1, manufactured and sold by E Ink Corporation, a subsidiary of the YFY Group. . Example commercially available displays that have a flexible base plate for use herein are, for example, ET011TT2, ET013TT1, ET014TT1, ET029TC1 and / or ET014TT6, manufactured and sold by E Ink Corporation, a subsidiary of the YFY Group.

THE PROCESS

The present disclosure further contemplates a process for making an absorbent article, comprising the steps of: providing a liquid-impermeable backsheet and applying a plurality of sensor tracks, as described herein ; provide an insulating layer 200 having a width w, taken along an imaginary axis perpendicular to the imaginary longitudinal axis yy, which is less than the width W of said backsheet, and normally apply one or more short-circuit elements 10 on it, optionally apply, in addition, one or more more secondary shorting elements 11 in this one; adhering said insulating layer 200 to said backsheet, said insulating layer being dimensioned and positioned to cover said at least one central track 4 and optionally a portion of said at least two side tracks 7, 8, to thereby provide a laminated substrate; providing an absorbent core comprising absorbent material; providing a liquid permeable topsheet; and sandwiching the absorbent core between said backsheet and said topsheet. Preferably, the sensor tracks are in the form of electrically conductive ink and the application step comprises printing them on the backsheet, preferably where the short-circuit elements 10 and the secondary short-circuit elements 11 are in the form of electrically conductive ink. and the application step comprises printing these on the insulating layer 200 or backsheet.

In an alternative embodiment, when using a registered sensor design, as explained above with reference to Figures 7-8, process steps similar to those above can be carried out, except that shorting elements 10 and / or Secondary shorting elements 11 are not applied to the insulating layer 200, but directly to the substrate 1 (which is usually the backsheet). On the other hand, the process generally comprises the step in which trademarks 300 are detected to actuate the precise cutting of the substrate 1 (or the assembled / laminated continuous absorbent article) and convert it into a plurality of individual absorbent articles.

In a preferred embodiment, the width w of the insulating layer 200 is less than the width W of the backsheet (and / or of the substrate 1), preferably, it is less than 0.5 W, more preferably 0.05 W at 0.35 W, even more preferably 0.08 W to 0.30 W, and most preferably 0.1 W to 0.2 W.

In one embodiment, the layers referred to earlier herein (i.e., at least the backsheet and the insulating layer) are in the form of continuous bands and / or films that are first printed with conductive ink. with the pattern described above (sensor tracks and shorting elements, respectively) before laminating them together and then cutting them into individual absorbent articles.

In one embodiment, the insulating layer 200 is adhered to the backsheet by means of an adhesive and / or by mechanical bonding, wherein the mechanical bonding is preferably selected from ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive and / or the mechanical bond is applied to the length and width of the insulating layer 200 in an effective amount, so that its bond to the backsheet is achieved and a liquid impermeable seal is formed. , providing a barrier against the exudates expelled by the subject, when he is wearing the absorbent article 100, so that they do not come into direct contact with said at least one central track 4 and said at least two side tracks 7, 8, preferably wherein in a location proximal to the first end 5 of the backsheet, where the hookable data processing module 103 is to be connected to the adhesive, it is present only outside said at least two lateral tracks 7, 8, and not between these, in order to form a pocket to receive an electrically conductive portion of said module 103.

THE INCONTINENCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an incontinence management system is provided to manage the raw data generated by the modules described herein in cooperation with the sensor tracks described above and located on a substrate of absorbent articles. respective data, and adapted to process the raw data and convert it into processed data, transfer the raw data and / or the data processed by a network and link the raw data and / or the processed data with the personal data of a patient or determined individual. The management system may comprise a module 103 comprising a transmitter, as described previously herein, to provide the raw data (although processing can also occur within the unit), a cloud server to process the raw data and convert it into processed data, preferably by applying a mathematical logarithmic model, and a client application or graphical user interface to link the raw data and the processed data with the personal data. The management system can optionally further comprise one or more docking stations to initiate the modules 103 to use them for the first time, the latter being able to be done, also, through a portable device, such as a smartphone and / or tablet.

In a preferred embodiment, the network of the present document is a sub-Ghz wireless network (that is, with data rate from 20 kbit / s (868 MHz band) to 250 kbit / s (2.4 GHz band) like Zigbee) which is preferred over Wi-Fi, which typically runs at higher data rates (2.4Ghz to 5Ghz). An advantage of this arrangement is to provide a long broadcast distance, low power consumption and remains independent of any existing Wi-Fi network that, for example, may be in an institution or nursing home, so that the described system in this document you do not need to share bandwidth with other applications, thus improving the reliability and regularity of data collection and processing.

In one embodiment, the disclosure further contemplates an incontinence management system for managing the data measured or captured (by the absorbent articles and modules described herein), using thus a network where data can be transmitted, for example, anonymous patient data (which are normally relevant, for example, in a nursing home or residential care institution and the like). Measured data or sensor data, as used herein, is also called raw data.

The clip-on modules described herein can comprise a single identifier, thanks to its media access control (MAC) address, which can be linked to an individual or patient. Preferably, the unique identifier can be included in the form of indicia (eg a QR code) applied to an external surface of the clip-on modules, which can be scanned with a linking device (such as a smartphone or tablet) to link a module. determined with a specific patient and / or individual. Alternatively, this linking can be done manually by typing the identification number of a specific module into the linking device.

In one embodiment, there are a plurality of modules, such as those described in this document, connected to the cloud, where the sensor data is linked to an individual or patient, preferably anonymously thanks to identifiers that are generated randomly to each individual or patient. Preferably, the raw data is processed within the cloud, where one or more mathematical models can be applied to further compute and predict a plurality of humidity states, pathological states and / or physiological states of each individual / patient. As for its application in a nursing home, for example, a local link base can be provided in this nursing home that acts as a network access point and server.

In one embodiment, the network is a wireless network, eg, a local wireless network, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) (which typically uses Wi-Fi ™) and / or Bluetooth ™ for wireless connection. However, the preferred wireless network is still Zigbee, as described above, and below, embodiments that specifically refer to a Wi-Fi network can and preferably will be implemented with Zigbee. Regarding the use of a unique identifier, for example, a service set identifier (SSID) is used in the WLAN network that can be provided through the binding base. Modules can be linked to the linking base before installing each module. On the other hand, the binding base can provide initialization and / or configuration / installation startup of the module to preconfigure and / or activate it for use. During this initialization, the module receives the anonymous individual / patient number, stores this number (usually in a database) and relates it to the actual identification data of the patient, such as the person's name, for example. As part of the network there may also be an application for clients that can be directly linked to the linking base and, therefore, to the patient control panel of a nursing home. Through the client application, the linking base or patient control panel of a nursing home can indicate which of the modules is linked to a particular patient, while the identification of the actual individual / patient is stored in a separate database that is linked with the linking base. Actual patient information can be displayed, thanks to the customer app, for example on a tablet or smartphone. This information includes, for example, not only the identification of a real person, but also the processed data or the computed information from the cloud.

In one embodiment, the measured data is captured by the module described herein (normally receiving and processing the resistance and / or capacitance signals through the plurality of sensor tracks comprised in a substrate of the absorbent article, as discussed above). described in this document). The measured data (comprising the raw data) is subsequently transmitted to the cloud by means of a wireless data transfer (usually through the transmitter present in the modules previously described herein). Preferably, the measured data is previously processed by the processor comprised in the module and subsequently transmitted to the cloud to apply the mathematical model used to predict, for example, the level of soaking of the absorbent article and / or the risk of leakage. . An advantage of the latter embodiment is that heavy signal processing and computation is disabled from the actual hardware connected to the absorbent article, thus allowing lower power consumption and device complexity which, in turn, makes large-scale manufacturing simpler and that the size of the module is smaller so that it is more comfortable to carry and manipulate.

In one embodiment, the modules are distributed and installed in the absorbent articles (connecting to the frame thereof, as described herein) of the corresponding individuals or patients. Each module may comprise a visual identification number, for example, between 1 and 999, typically displayed on a portion of the screen previously described herein. This can be useful when a module is replaced by another module of a certain patient for maintenance, cleaning and other similar actions, for example, when a module is replaced, the new module can obtain the identification number of the replaced module well in a manual, by entering it directly into the module or, preferably, automatically through the client application or graphical user interface (GUI). In parallel, the GUI can also inform the cloud server that now, the unique identifier is linked to the new replaced module.

In one embodiment, the raw data is communicated to the cloud server, which recognizes the identifier of the module and links this data with a unique anonymous identifier of the patient. The cloud server processes, computes or calculates useful information from this raw data and makes that information accessible as a graphical representation for different end users or caregivers using a GUI or client application.

Preferably, end users, such as caregivers or nursing home staff, can connect to the cloud and extract, for example, the information needed for their usual department. Data in the cloud remains anonymous, and unique anonymous identifiers must be replaced with real names and information. The client application or GUI accesses the linking database server, so that useful information or other data from the cloud is linked to a real name of a patient or individual. Thus, the module provides the raw data linked to a unique identifier, for example a MAC address. The cloud server processes this data and links this unique identifier to a unique person or patient number. Now the customer app can access the processed data. The customer app replaces the unique patient person or number with a real person or patient ID, including, for example, information regarding room number, age and name.

It is assumed that the present invention is not limited to any embodiment described above and that some modifications can be added to the presented example of manufacture without reviewing the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A substrate (1) suitable to be incorporated into an absorbent article (100) to automatically detect inside it cases of humidity and / or the risk of leakage of exudates thereof, the substrate comprising a first surface (2) that can disposed proximal to a body-facing side of absorbent article (100) and a second surface (3) opposite said first surface (2) and disposed proximal to a garment-facing side of said absorbent article (100), said substrate (1) comprising a plurality of sensor tracks (101) arranged on said first surface (2), wherein said sensor tracks (101) are in electrical communication with a pluggable data processing module (103) when it is connected, in a proximal position, to a first end (5) of the substrate (1), in order to form a closed electrical circuit, normally to measure the resistance, impedance and / or capacitance therethrough, said substrate (1) comprises one or more slits (15) and an insulating layer (200) placed on said first surface (2) to sandwich at least a portion of said sensor tracks (101) in between, and there is a pocket (16) formed between said first surface (2) and said insulating layer (200) at least proximal to said first end (5), said pocket (16) being in fluid communication with said slit (s) (15) and arranged to retain at least a portion of said clip-on data processing module (103) inside, and characterized in that said substrate (1) consists of a liquid-impermeable back sheet and said insulating layer (200) is a non-conductive film, and in where the pocket (16) has the shape of a channel that extends from the first end (5) to a second end (6) of the substrate (1), said channel being bordered by joint seals (22) arranged in an opposite way, in so that the canal remains impermeable to exudates. 2. A substrate (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor tracks (101) comprise an electrically conductive material and are preferably printed sensor tracks, and wherein, preferably, the printed sensor tracks (101) preferably comprise a carbon-based ink and / or a conductive polymer-based ink, the carbon-based ink preferably comprising a conductive compound selected from the group consisting of graphene, graphite, nanocarbon tubes and mixtures thereof, preferably the conductive polymer-based ink comprising a conducting compound selected from the group consisting of polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, and copolymers thereof, more preferably selected from the group consisting of poly (pyrrole) is (PPY), polyanilines (PANI), poly (thiophene) s (PT), poly (p-phenylene sulphide) (PPS), poly (p-phenylene) (PPP), poly (acetylene) s (PAC ), poly (p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV), poly (3,4- ethylenedioixtiophene) (PEDOT), and mixtures thereof, and most preferably, the ink comprising conductive polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS). A substrate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating layer (200) is impervious to liquids and the plurality of sensor tracks (101) comprise: at least one central track (4) extending parallel to a length L of the substrate and parallel to a longitudinal axis (y-y) crossing a first end (5) and a second end (6) of the substrate (1); at least two side tracks (7, 8) which extend parallel to the center track (4) along at least a portion of the length L and which are normally arranged oppositely so that the center track (4) is extend substantially in between; Y humidity detection tracks (9) that extend outside said two side tracks (7, 8) and / or the central track (4), wherein said central track (4), said side tracks (7, 8) and said moisture detection tracks (9) are in electrical communication through one or more short-circuit elements (10) located proximal to said second end ( 6) and distal from said first end (5), and wherein said insulating layer (200) is dimensioned to cover said at least one central track (4) and at least a portion of the lateral tracks (7, 8), being said insulating layer (200) adapted to provide a seal and / or barrier against liquids, so that they do not come into contact with said central track (4) and said side tracks (7, 8), where, preferably, the tracks moisture detection sensors (9) remain exposed and are not covered by said insulating layer (200). A substrate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slit (s) (15) comprise one or more insertion indicators, arranged to indicate the insertion position to a user , through it, the clip-on processing module (103), where, preferably, said insertion indicator is selected from the group consisting of: indicia located on a surface of the insulating layer (200) that is oriented towards said substrate, such that said indicia are seen through said slit (s) (15); the indicia being located on the surface facing the garment of said substrate (1) so that it surrounds a perimeter of said slit (s) (15); a patch (17), comprising indicia that can be attached to the garment-facing surface of said substrate (1) so that it surrounds a perimeter of said slit (s) 15; and combinations thereof. A substrate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein there is a backing layer (18) attached to a garment-facing surface of said substrate (1) along a perimeter of the (s) ) slit (s) 15 and at least a portion of said surface outside said perimeter, and wherein said slit (s) (15) form (s) an opening without said reinforcing layer (18). A substrate (1) according to claim 5, wherein said reinforcing layer (18) is laminated over the entire garment-facing surface of said substrate (1), except for the opening; or is laminated only on a central portion of said garment-facing surface of said substrate (1) along a length L of said substrate (1), except for said opening; or it is laminated only on an area of said surface facing the garment immediately adjacent to the perimeter of said slit (s) (15), with the exception of said opening. A substrate (1) according to claims 5 to 6, wherein the reinforcing layer (18) is in the form of a patch, said patch preferably having a color and / or texture that is different, visually or to the touch , that of the surface facing the garment of said substrate (1). A substrate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the slit (s) 15 is / are in the shape of a straight linear cut, square cut, square cut with rounded edges, oval cut, cut rounded rhombus, mouth-shaped cut, and combinations thereof, preferably oval cut, rounded rhombus cut, and / or mouth-shaped cut. A substrate (1) according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the slit (s) (15) is / are rounded, so that a flap (26) is formed having a flap length Lf arranged to be lifted with a finger to insert the unit (103). A substrate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slit (s) (15) do not have (are) sharp edges with a notch radius R of less than 1mm. A substrate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of sensor tracks (101) is divided into a right circuit half (19) and a left circuit half (20), arranged symmetrically around a longitudinal axis (yy), and comprises at least two central tracks (4) that extend parallel to each other along a length L of the substrate (1), each one being directly connected to said right half of the circuit (19) or to said left circuit half (20), and wherein said right half (19) is in electrical communication with said left half (20) only when the clip-on processing module (103) is connected thereto, or wherein said right half (19) and said left half (20) are not in electrical communication with each other when the clip-on processing module (103) is connected and, rather, remain two independent electrical circuits. A substrate (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of sensor tracks (101) are divided into a front circuit half (27) and a rear circuit half (28), arranged symmetrically around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (yy), and comprises at least two central tracks (4) that extend parallel to each other along a length L of the substrate (1), each one being directly connected to said half front circuit (27) and / or said rear circuit half (28), and wherein said front half (27) is in electrical communication with said rear half (28) only when the clip-on processing module (103) is connected thereto, or wherein said front half (27) and said rear half (28) are not in electrical communication with each other when the clip-on processing module (103) is connected and, rather, remain two independent electrical circuits. 13. An absorbent article (100), preferably a disposable diaper, pad or panty, suitable for detecting a case of humidity inside and / or the risk of leakage of exudates therefrom, said absorbent article comprising: a liquid impermeable backsheet; a liquid permeable topsheet; Y an absorbent core interposed between said backsheet and said topsheet, wherein said backsheet comprises the substrate (1) according to any of the preceding claims. An absorbent article according to claim 13, further comprising a removable clip-on data processing module (103) having a plurality of exposed electrically conductive terminals (33) that can make direct contact with the center tracks. (4) and sides (7, 8) of the plurality of sensor tracks (101), wherein, preferably, the number of said terminals (33) is at least the same as the number of said central tracks (4) and laterals (7, 8). An absorbent article according to claim 14, wherein said at least a portion of the clip-on data processing module (103) is retained within the pocket (16), said pocket being delimited along its perimeter by a seal joint (22), preferably selected from an adhesive material, and along its outer surface facing the garment by the surface facing the garment of the substrate (1), and along its inner surface facing the skin by the insulating layer (200), where, normally, said portion is that comprising the exposed electrically conductive terminals (33). An absorbent article according to claims 13 to 15, wherein the pocket (16) is located on at least a portion of the absorbent core, the core being interposed between said pocket (16) and the skin of a subject when wearing The absorbent article is worn so that when the clip-on data processing module (103) is inserted into the pocket (16), the absorbent core provides a cushioning layer between said module (103) and said skin of the subject.